Introducing Best For You - Revolutionizing Mental Health Care for Young People.
Dear CCS Care Family,?
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We are thrilled to bring you exciting news about a ground-breaking initiative that is transforming mental health care for young people in North West London. This week, NHS Trusts in the region launched Best For You, a patient-centred model of care designed to address the increasing demand for urgent mental health support among the youth. In this newsletter, we will delve into the details of this innovative approach and how it is set to revolutionise the way young people and their families access and receive comprehensive care.?
Child and adolescent mental health has emerged as a growing public health crisis in the UK, with the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbating the situation. Shockingly, statistics reveal that 1 in 6 children and young people aged 5-16 are likely to experience mental health problems, but only 25% of them receive the necessary treatment. Recognising this urgent need, three NHS Trusts in London, namely Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, and West London NHS Trust, have joined forces with the charity CW+ and other local and national partners to introduce Best For You.?
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Best For You represents a transformative approach that integrates specialist medical and mental health care with community services and digital tools. This comprehensive and person-centred model aims to cater to the unique needs of each individual and their family, providing rapid and long-term care. The program's first phase is the launch of its website, www.bestforyou.org.uk, which serves as a vital online portal for young people and families seeking mental health support.?
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The Best For You website offers a range of unique features to empower and assist young people in their mental health journey. It combines an array of innovative, clinically-assessed, and age-appropriate digital aids, including a library of safe and ORCHA accredited apps that have undergone rigorous vetting and testing. Furthermore, the website provides clinically-approved information about various conditions, accessing services, and obtaining support. For individuals in crisis, a dedicated text support service is available, offering free, confidential, and accessible assistance 24/7. Additionally, the platform includes a peer support feature designed to connect and inspire young people, ensuring they feel encouraged to seek help and discover the support they need.?
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Crucially, every aspect of Best For You, including the digital platform, is being developed in collaboration with young people and their families. Their invaluable input ensures that the services offered truly meet their requirements and preferences. In the coming year, day services will be launched to provide immediate mental health support without the need for appointments, including outpatient clinical care, therapies, and family support. These day services will seamlessly connect with inpatient and community services to ensure a holistic and long-term approach to support recovery and ongoing well-being.?
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To bridge the gap between clinical and community settings, Best For You incorporates community services through innovative partnerships with the private sector, schools, community groups, crisis services, and digital platforms. This collaboration ensures comprehensive and personalised care that remains available for as long as required.?
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Furthermore, Best For You introduces a Young People's Rapid Assessment Unit, staffed by a multidisciplinary team, which seamlessly integrates medical care with mental health care. This approach eliminates the division between physical and mental health assessments, enabling swift and efficient evaluation, transfer, and treatment of young people in need.??
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Claire Murdoch, Chief Executive of the Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust, emphasises the collaborative nature of this transformative initiative, stating, "We are determined to improve mental health care for our children and young people.??
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The NHS can't do this alone. We have to do this in collaboration with young people.?
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